Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) seeks a seasoned, strategic, and entrepreneurial leader to serve as its inaugural Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications (SVP).

GMRI is science-based and community-driven, with a mission to develop and deliver collaborative solutions to global ocean challenges. This independent, objective nonprofit organization is dedicated to the resilience of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem, economy, and the communities that depend on it. Scientists at GMRI were the first to publish research revealing rapid warming in the Gulf of Maine. As of 2021—the hottest year on record for the Gulf of Maine—this body of water has warmed faster than approximately 98 percent of the world’s oceans. As they help coastal communities in their own region mitigate and adapt to the impacts of this rapid warming, GMRI leverages insights and data from work in the Gulf of Maine and develops solutions that are relevant locally, regionally, and around the world. It stands out as a highly effective model for making environmental science deeply relevant for the multiplicity of local stakeholders who drive change.

The organization collaborates with local communities to support healthy ocean ecosystems, a thriving blue economy, sustainable seafood, and climate-resilient coastal communities. GMRI has grown rapidly over the past two decades, emerging as one of the region’s most respected institutions due to its strategic approach, program impact, and the exceptional caliber and commitment of its staff, leadership, and Board of Directors. The organization has a proven track record of recruiting and empowering its thoughtful, entrepreneurial, and tenacious staff of approximately 100 experts and is committed to being a world-class employer of choice.

This is a pivotal moment for the organization as it enters the second year of an ambitious five-year strategic plan and is laying the groundwork for a comprehensive campaign. The Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications, is a new, elevated role on the executive team and will report directly to the CEO, partnering closely with him and the rest of the executive team. This role presents a unique opportunity to build upon the strengths of GMRI’s current marketing and communications operation, elevating a strong regional brand to national visibility and working closely with the Development team to engage and build meaningful connections with new audiences of prospective donors and funders.

Providing vision and management for a team of five, the SVP will develop and lead a comprehensive marketing and communications program that strengthens brand awareness and delivers an integrated approach to engaging key stakeholder audiences. The SVP will bring the expertise, drive, and a creative and innovative spirit to articulate GMRI’s distinctive identity, developing strategies that powerfully communicate the organization’s outsized impact; promote GMRI’s research, education, and innovation accomplishments; and elevate awareness of GMRI, particularly in the context of an upcoming comprehensive campaign. With expert knowledge of both traditional and digital media, the SVP will understand the changing nature of communications, marketing, media, and technology, and will be able to engage and communicate with diverse audiences within this rapidly evolving environment. A critical and strategic thinker, the SVP will bring experience differentiating and tailoring communications for a variety of audiences in a concise, clear, and transparent manner.

Key experience will include building and leading teams, supporting and developing people, and implementing multi-faceted marketing and communications programs for an organization with many audiences. As a leader and manager, the SVP will promote a culture of excellence, collaboration, and professional growth and set clear direction, priorities, and measurable goals for the team. With superior written and oral communication skills, the SVP will demonstrate the ability to champion the impact, strategic priorities, and vision of GMRI, capturing the organization’s message and voice, and translating it to diverse audiences. This leader must be able to work with many stakeholders, understand their various concerns and priorities, and craft strategies, messaging, and programs that address multiple needs. Equally important are a collaborative, collegial orientation, intellectual curiosity, strong emotional intelligence, and the political savvy and flexibility to navigate a complex organization and broader landscape.

To this end, the SVP must also demonstrate an ability to fully immerse themselves in the life of the organization to effectively serve as the chief spokesperson. While a background in scientific organizations is desirable, it is not required; however, a passion for environmental science and the ability to compellingly convey GMRI’s mission, history, and impact will be critical to success in this role.

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and applications (including CVs and two- to three-page letters of interest responding to the opportunities, challenges, and qualifications outlined in the full position profile) should be submitted electronically below.

Rebecca Kennedy and Kennedy Kearney-Fischer are leading this search with Cortnee Bollard.

Research shows that people belonging to structurally marginalized groups often only apply to jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. As no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply if you feel that most of the above qualifications reflect your experience and expertise.

Gulf of Maine Research Institute has a long-standing policy and commitment to providing equal access and equal employment opportunities in all terms, conditions, processes, and benefits of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. GMRI's employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.